Will Goan seafarers now come back immediately?

SANDESH PRABHUDESAI, PANAJI | 22 April 2020 23:02 IST

After frantic efforts, in the midst of Covid lockdown throughout the world, Goa government has finally succeeded in getting the order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs to get Indian seafarers back home. But only from the Indian port.

This would obviously benefit three ships anchored off Mumbai port – Marela Discovery, Karnika and Angriya, immediately. Around 189.

After MHA issued the order late night on 21st March, the DG Shipping also issued the Standard Operating Procedure on 22nd March late night.

Accordingly, the Goan seafarers along with their other Indian brothers, stuck up so close to Indian land, would be able to embark, obviously on a condition of getting quarantined and tested for Covid 19.

But what about other over 7200 Goan seafarers stranded on various cruise liners and cargo ships in the deep sea or at the ports all over the World?

Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant says all would be brought back, but step by step.

But what the arrangements are made to get them to Indian ports, asks Adv Cleofato Almeida Coutinho, who brought this fact to the notice of Goans.